Dos and Don'ts of Concrete Anchor Epoxy

Concrete anchor epoxy effectively secures concrete anchors and concrete fasteners in their holes. When installing fasteners, always ensure that they do not fail to secure the materials they are intended to hold. Sometimes, applying torque to the anchor may not be effective because the hole may not hold the fastener long enough. However, using concrete anchor epoxy will definitely add strength to the fastener. In order to make sure that the concrete anchor epoxy stays firmly in place, consider the dos and don'ts below.

Do Drill the Holes Correctly

When preparing the holes for the anchor, make sure to use the right sized drill bit. The drill bit should not be too large for the anchor and not too small to restrain anchor entry. Remember that drilling the holes correctly plays a very important factor not only in the installation of the anchor but also in the application of concrete anchor epoxy. The optimum bit diameter is 1/16th of an inch bigger than the fastener. Clean the hole out thoroughly before inserting the anchor bolt or other fasteners.

Do Clean the Holes Before Applying Epoxy

Before filling the hole with epoxy, make sure that the hole is clean and free from dust and any other debris. Use a blower or a vacuum to remove the dust inside the holes. Afterward, insert a brush inside the hole to dislodge other debris that may have been left inside. Blow the hole once again to ensure that it is free from dust.

Do Store the Epoxy Safely

When storing epoxy, follow the recommended temperatures in order to avoid damage. Usually, epoxy is recommended to be stored at temperatures ranging from 40-degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Don't Fill the Anchor Hole with Epoxy

Do not fill the entire hole because the anchor will occupy the space afterward. Fill the hole from ½ to 2/3 of the depth only. However, it is necessary to fill the hole completely when the hole is submerged in water.

Don't Install the Hardware Until the Epoxy is Cured

Allow the epoxy to fully cure before installing a load or anchoring any object with the fastener. Do not make haste because the epoxy needs to cure first in order to provide maximum strength. Check the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for curing their specific products. It may take 5 to 7-minutes before the epoxy mixture hardens depending on the temperature. If the temperature is below 40-degrees Fahrenheit, the mixture may need to harden a lot longer.

Don't Use Expired Epoxy

Always check the expiration date on the epoxy you are using before putting it in the anchor bolt holes. Expired epoxy may not be suitable for use because it may not harden.

Don't Touch the Epoxy

Never ever allow the epoxy to come in contact with your skin. Wash the affected skin immediately when it accidentally touches the skin.